High Mood Food has got that funk, and that’s not just because they infuse all of their dishes with gut-healthy, fermented foods. The laid-back atmosphere of this café, with its vibrant interiors and bubbly staff, further helps to put you on a self-consciously virtuous high.
Located in Marylebone, this trendy spot is anything but exclusive. Unlike your usual clean eating spots, High Mood Food isn’t explicitly anti-anything, except refined sugars, preservatives and high GI carbs (so lots, then). Meat and dairy abound – hell, there’s even bone broth on offer. Saying that, the menu is full of dishes and drinks for vegans, paleo types and anyone on a modish health binge.
You’ll earn brownie points by scooping up some of their signature salads topped with probiotic dressing, avocado on sourdough and freshly pressed juices. Then redeem them on the actual brownies: these moreish squares of fudgey delight would be good enough to win over even the most stubborn health food sceptics. Should you need any further proof that food can be both salubrious and sumptuously good, order one of their gooey toasties, which were loaded with things like ham and cheddar or gruyere and miso butter on my visit.
High Mood Food encourages you to get your five Ks (kimchi, kombucha, kefir, kamut and khorasan, duh) a day. So, to help you bone up on all that beneficial bacteria, they also stock Happy Tummy bread, Wild Fizz kombucha and other similar treats. Take them home and keep up the good work.